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MEDICAL MALPRACTICE REFORM BILL INTRODUCED IN GEORGIA


In Georgia, reforms in the medical system are proposed all the time. One of the benefits of living in a country committed to representing its people is that a lot of ideas are passed around. With medical malpractice, it can be a very complicated issue involving many different parties. However, it is important that victims of medical negligence receive compensation for medical malpractice involving an injury or even a wrongful death.

A new bill was introduced called the Patients Compensation Act (SB 141) whose proponents say will lower costs by dis-incentivizing doctors to order unnecessary tests. Different sides are clashing on the bill and a timetable for a decision is unknown. Under the new bill, malpractice claims in Georgia would replace the tort system with an administrative model. Opponents say the bill would drive up not only the cost of medical care, but also the number of claims involving injuries that are only minor.

One of the challenging things about being injured during a stay at a hospital is that the process of receiving a claim for negligence is onerous. Proponents of the bill say that only one in five injured patients receive compensation for their injuries. Medical malpractice can take several forms including improper care, not adhering to medication warnings or causing undue bodily injury.

A hospital is responsible for the care of its patients. It must adhere to Georgia’s laws for treating patients with a standard of care. If they breach this standard, they are liable for the damages. A family coping with the loss or severe injury of a loved one should be compensated for their pain and suffering. The medical malpractice laws are complicated and may change so it’s important to be familiar with the process of receiving a claim.

Source: Gaineseville Times, “Special interests clash over medical malpractice reform,” Joshua Silavent, Feb. 23, 2014